When an individual receives his or her feedback report, he or she is typically provided some type of coaching to analyze the report, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop an action plans. A 360-degree feedback coaching session is a one-on-one meeting with a trained facilitator that lasts approximately 60-90 minutes. The result of the meeting is the creation of a personal development plan that the participant shares with his or her manager.
DecisionWise research (as well as supporting academic studies) has found that those individuals who receive some type of coaching on their feedback, and set goals for development, experience significantly greater improvement than those who simply participate in the process and receive their reports.
As organizations rely more heavily on teamwork, cooperation, and communication to improve productivity, 360 degree feedback has become an increasingly useful tool.